Metallic receptacle and closure



Aug. 4, 1936. w. LOCKHART 2,049,847

I METALLIb RECEPTACLE AND CLOSURE THEREFOR I Filed March 1, 1934 2Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR MM 4; ATTORNEYJ Patented Aug, 4, i936 UNITED STATES v a049,? manure ascsr'rscw m crosm William Lockhart, Cleveland, one, Cornell Securities .Corporatlon, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware FOR assignor to 7 Cleveland,

Application March 1, 1934, Serial No. 713,480

12 can. (or. 220-61) My invention is an improvement in metallic receptacles or containers, and relates more particularly to a closure therefor and means for .removably securing a closure in place to effect 5- a. fluid-tight seal between the receptacle and the closure.

In shipping metallic receptacles of the full removable head type, it has been found desirable to provide. a clamping device by means of which the cover may be clamped in place with only suflicient security to prevent accidental removal thereof in shipment, as for instance, where the empty containers are shipped from the manufacturer to the user. It is also desirable in this event, to apply only sufficient closing pressure to the cover and thegasket separating the cover flange from the head 03 the receptacle, to hold the parts together without .fully setting or compressing the gasket so that when the receptacle is filled with its charge and the shipper desires to more effectively clamp the cover thereon in a fluidtight seal, this may conveniently be done by further pressing the coverflange down upon the gasket to compress the latter further against the bead.

It is, therefore. one of the objects of this invention to provide a closing or clamping device for removably securing a cover on a metallic container such as a barrel, drum or the like,

so to effect a fluid-tight-seal between the cover and the receptacle without the aid of tools.

It is another object of the invention to provide means for imparting a closing pressure uniformly along the cover flange and the head of I the receptacle to bring the same together in fluid-tight relation and at the same time to apply such closing pressure throughout a wide range of limits.

A further object of the invention is to seal the cover in place against unauthorized removal.

A still further object of the invention is to construct a clamping device for securing covers on metallic receptacles, which is simple of construction, extremely durable and inexpensive 'to manufacture and which does not require the use of tools for its operation.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become more apparent as the following description of two embodiments thereof progresses, reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.

In the drawings, Figures 1 to 6 inclusive illustrate an embodiment of'my invention in which the ring is contracted to press the cover toward the head of the receptacle, while in Figures 7 to 9 inclusive I have illustrated an embodiment wherein the ring is expanded to force the cover down upon the bead or cover support.

Figure 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of my invention, showing the cover clamped in place upon a receptacle in fluid-tight sealed relation;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary section 10 taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the adjacent ends of the clamping or looking ring, showing the same contracted to seal the cover on the receptacle. This view shows the operat- 15 ing handle swung to one side, as when the same is not in use for contracting or expanding the rin Figure 4, is a view similar to that shown in Figure 3 except that the operating handle is 20 shown in operating position and the adjacent ends of the clamping or locking ring are in ring expanded position so as to permit application of the ring to or removal from the receptacle and its cover; 25

Figure 5 is a view taken in the direction of line 5-3 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 8-8 of Figure l and shows'one form of ratchet mechanism for'contracting' and 30 expanding the locking' ring;

' Figure 7 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention employing a ring which isexpanded to press the cover into fluidtight relation'with the receptacle; 1

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view of the ring in place to press the cover into sealing relation with the receptacle. The ring is shown expanded in solid lines and contracted in broken lines: a 40 Figure 9 is an enlarged section taken on line ll of Figure 8.

While my invention is particularly applicable to metallic containers or receptacles such as barrels, drums and the like, which are provided 4 with a circumferential bead at their open ends for receiving and supporting a cover and for reinforcement purposes, it is to be understood that I do not limit the invention in this respect since the same may be applied to other types 50 of receptacles or containers.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, one embodiment of the invention and have shown the same applied to a metallic shipping drum I. The 5 upper edge of the drum or container is rolled to form a peripheral bead 2 at its open end.

A cover 3 comprising'a cupped member having a peripheral upwardly and outwardly extending flange 4, is supported by the bead 2 and the packing 5 in such a manner that the cupper portion of the cover may be telescoped for a short distance within the container, as illustrated in Figure 2. It will be noted that a-portion of the flange 4 is slightly arcuate in cross section to conform with the aproximate curvature of the upper surface of the bead, and that the outer edge of the flange terminates at a point near that defined by the greatest outside diameter of the bead. The packing 5 may consist of an annulus of any suitable packing material such as rubber or cork. I find cork to be very satisfactory in use.

It is desirable that the cover be removably secured on the receptacle in such a manner that a fluid-tight seal between the cover, the packing and the bead may be made.

By means of my invention a fluid-tight seal between these parts is readily accomplished as afurther description of the embodiments of my invention shown in the drawings will reveal.

According to the present invention one simple means for removably securing the cover on the receptacle in fluid-tight relation is illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive and may include a split contractible channeled clamping ring 5 which is substantially U-shaped in cross section and in which the upper and lower flange and bead engaging walls respectively of the ring converge outwardly toward the arched portion such as is indicated more clearly in Figure 2.

Thus it will be seen that by contracting the ring, the cover flange 4 will be pressed tightly against the packing 5 and the supporting bead 2 under a closingpressure exerted thereagainst uniformly throughout the circumference of the ring. I

The contractible channeled ring 6 is substan .tially U-shaped in cross section and is split transversely, preferably at one point as indicated in Figure 1. Lugs 8 extend inwardly from the ring ends defining the split and may be formed integrally with .the ring ends or may be formed separately and welded thereto.

In further carrying out the invention I have provided means for contracting and/or expanding the ring about the open end of the receptacle to removably secure the cover in place. Such means, according to the embodiment shown in the drawings, may consist of a bolt or rod' 9 having right and left hand threads l and respectively, formed thereon from its ends inwardly toward the center, the threaded ends being designed to operate in the respective bearing members 12 and I3 which are internally threaded for that purpose. The bearings l2 and 13 are carried by the lugs 8 and are preferably suspended therebeneath and are movable relative thereto so that in contracting or expanding the ring to its extreme limits, the bearings will not bind on the threaded portions of the bolt 9 due to the decreased or increased diameter of the ring. The bearing members I2 and I3 are therefore pivotally connected as as at IS in Figure 6 for rotation thsr th.

The ratchet wheel is provided with a plurality of transverse grooves or sockets H which are adapted to receive the-dog l8 carried in the ratchet body l9. This is shown more clearly in Figure 6. The ratchet wheel I is housed 5 within the body is and if the dog I8 were retracted to the dotted line position in Figure 6, the ratchet wheel would be freelyjrotatable therein.

In Figure 6 the dog is shown in position to rotate the wheel IS in a counter-clockwise direction when the lever 20 and the body iii are raised by the operator. Downward movement of the lever and body from the raised position after the wheel has been rotated for about a quarter turn, will permit the dog iii to be retracted against the compression of the spring 2| due to the bevelled face 22 which engages a wall-23 of the tooth 24. The ratchet body will thenbe returned to the position shown in full lines in Figure 6 with .the further. rotation of the ratchet wheel i5, whereupon the dog will enter the next transverse slot l1 and this operation may be repeated until the bolt 9 has been rotated sufficiently in that direction to expand 25 the ring to permit its removal from the drum.

When it is desired to contract the ring after it has been placed in position on the head and drum the operator grasps the end 25 of the dog and retracts the same against the compression of the spring 2i and then turns the shank of the dog approximately 180 in either direction and then releases the same whereupon the projection 26 will be in position to again seat within the depression 21- of the body l9. It'will be noted then that the beveled face 22 of the dog will be reversed and that the upward movement of the ratchet body i9 and the lever 20 will be free since the dog will be retracted in such upward movement due to the bevelled face 22 engaging a wall 28 of one of the teeth 24. Downward movement of the ratchet body and lever 20 will result in a rotation of the ratchet wheel l5 in a clockwise direction, whereupon reversely threaded ends of the bolt 8 will engagethe internal threads of the bearings l2 and I3 and will cause the ends of the ring to be drawn together, thus contracting ,the ring.

The degree of contraction and/or expansion of the ring can thus be controlled by movement of the ratchet body and lever about a horizontal axis and such expansion and/or contraction may be selected by means of the retractible dog [8.

'- I have provided a lever 20 which serves as w an operating handle for the ratchet device and the usual inspection seal 33 to be wired in place.

when the ratchet device is to be operated the lever is swung to the'dotted line position in Figure 1 and since it operates on a vertical axis, movement of the lever in a vertical plane for. operating the ratchet device can be accomplished without difllculty.

Figures 7 to 9 inclusive are illustrative of a second embodiment of my invention and show the same applied to a clamping ring which is expanded to force or press the cover toward the bead and is contracted to release the cover.

' and arrangement of parts may be made without of cork or other gasket material ll is supported on the-cover seat to provide a'iiuid tight seal between the cover and the seat when the cover is pressed downwardly thereon.

In this form of the invention the cover may comprise a cup-like body 3 having a. laterally outwardly extending fiat annular flange I! which overlies the gasket 38 as shown. The drum wall forming the cover seat'is then rolled upwardly and again inwardly as at 40 to provide a ring engaging annular flange 4|.

The closing ring 42 is split transversely at one point to permit expansion and contraction of the same to press the cover into sealing relation with the open end of the drum or to release the same as the case may be. The ring is wedgeshaped in cross section and engages the top surface of the cover flange and the inner surface of the flange 4i, and, when expanded by suitable means, will effectively press the cover into fluid-tight relation with the open end of the drum.

I have found the-form of closing means illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings can successfully be applied to the present form of the invention and I have thus illustrated the some in connection with Figures 7 to 9. The operation of the ratchet is similar to that already described, and any degree of closing pressure may be applied through the ring. If desired, the ring may only partly be expanded to hold the cover in place as in ship in the empty containers to the user. When the containers are filled the ring may be expanded further to exert strong closing pressure uniformly around the ring to the cover flange.

' From the foregoing it will be seen that both embodiments of the invention which I have illustrated and described in detail, will operate to effect a fluid-tight seal between the cover and the open end of the drum, and will permit the cover to be readily applied or removed. Furthermore, by means of this invention, i'ull removable closures for drums or other receptacles are provided which will stand rough han in use I or shipment without danger df leakage. Simplicity of construction and manufacture and low cost also characterize devices made in accordance with this invention,

Various changes in the details of construction departing from the spirit oi my invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

i. In a clamping device for a metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the bead and a packing member between the flange head, a transversely splitclamping ring engageable with the cover flange and the bead to press the same into fluid sealing relationship with said packing member, and ratchet means for contracting or expanding the ring, said means including a rotatable memberconnected with the ring ends and means including a pawl for rotating aid member in step by step movement.

,2. In a clamping'devicea'for a metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the head and a packing member between theflange and bead, a transversely split clamping ring engageable with the cover flange and the head to press the same into fluid'sealing relationship with said packing member, a rotatable member 5 connected with the'ends of the ring defining the split. for contracting or expanding the ring, and means carried by said member for selectively rotating the same in reverse directions. said means including a member movable relative to 10 the rotatable member, a pawl, engageable with the rotatable member "and an operating handle.

3. In a clamping device for a metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the 15 head and a packing member between the flange and head, a transversely split clamping ring engageable with the cover .flange and the head to press the same into fluid sealing relationship with said packing member. a rotatable member 20 connected with the ends of the ring defining the split for contracting or expanding the ring, and a ratchet device for selectively rotating said member in reverse directions. i

4. In a clamping device for a metallic recep- 25 tacle having a bead rolled about its open end gageable with the cover-flange and the head to press the same. into .fiuid sealing relationship with said packing member, a rotatable member connected with the .ends of the ring defining 1 the split for contracting or expanding the ring, and a ratchet for rotating said member in step by step fashion in one direction.

5. In a clamping device for a metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the head, a contractible, channeled clamping ring having portions engageable with and pressing the cover flange and bead together when the ring is contracted, and means for contracting the ring, said means including a, member bridgin a portion of the circumference of the ring and a ratchet device on saidmember.

6. In a clamping device for a metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the bead, a contractible. channeled clamping ring having portions e'ngageabie with and pressing the cover flange and bead together when the ring is contracted, and means iorcontracting and expanding the ring. said means including mearings supported by the ring, a rotatable member operating in said bearings, and means carried by said member and movable relative thereto for rotating the same in either direction, said last named means including a reversible pawl.

- 7.1m a clamping device for a metallic recap-add .tacle ha a portion rolled ut its open end -and a-cover'having a flange fitting over the head, 'a split, channeled clamping ring having portions engageable with and pressing, the cover flange l6 4 of the ring circumference and bead together when the ring is expanded, arotatable member connecting the ends of the ring and operating in bearings on said ring .ends, and a ratchet device for rotating said rotatablemember.

9. In a clamping device for a. metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the head, a split, channeled clamping ring having portions engageable with and pressing the cover flange and bead together when the'ring is ex panded, and a ratchet operated device connect ing the ring ends for expanding the ring, said means including a member .bridging a portion and adjustably associated therewith.

10. In a clamping device for .a metallic receptacle having a bead rolled about its 'open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the .bead, a split, channeled clamping ring having portions engageable with and pressing the cover flange and bead together when the ring is expanded, a ratchet operated device connecting the ring ends for expanding the ring, said means vincluding bearings carriedby the ring, a rotatable member operating in said bearings, and means carried by said rotatable member for rotating the same in either direction.

11. In a clamping device for a metallic re- ;ceptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fltting over the bead and apacking member between the flange and bead, a transversely split clamping ring engageable with the cover flange and the bead to press the same into fluid sealing relationship with said packing member, and ratchet means for contracting or expanding the ring, said means including'a rotatable member connected with the ring ends and means including a pawl for rotating said member in step by step move- [ment and an operating handle for said ratchet means.-said handle comprising hingedly connected sections whereby one section may be swung to an inoperative position toward the circumference of the ring when not in use.

12. In a clamping device fora metallicreceptacle having a bead rolled about its open end and a cover having a flange fitting over the bead and a packing member between the flange and bead, a transversely split clamping ring engageable with the cover flange and the head to press the same into fluid sealing relationship, with said packing member, and ratchet means for the-device is not in use. 30 

